England Outraged as Guardiola Admits “Overkill” Rotation Contributes to City’s Champions League Shock
MANCHESTER, england - November 26, 2025 – A wave of criticism is sweeping across England following Manchester City’s stunning home defeat in the Champions League, with manager Pep Guardiola taking full responsibility for a heavily rotated squad’s lackluster performance. The loss at the Etihad Stadium – City’s first in the Champions League group stage at home in seven years – has ignited debate over Guardiola’s “Pep roulette” rotation policy and its impact on maintaining consistent performance.
The defeat has raised serious questions about City’s season management and long-term tactical planning,especially as Arsenal have opened up a seven-point lead in the Premier League. Guardiola himself conceded his rotation may have gone too far, stating, “If we had won, it wouldn’t have been a problem. So I admit that it was perhaps a lot, but if we play every two, three or four days… but it was perhaps excessive, given the result. I always thought there would be a long season and everyone had to be involved, but maybe that was overkill.”
A key point of contention is the team’s apparent over-reliance on Erling Haaland. His absence from the starting lineup coincided with a significant drop in City’s attacking threat, despite his eventual introduction providing a brief spark. guardiola acknowledged this, saying, “We can’t play Erling for 95 minutes every time, but that was too much. It was the first time in my life that I did that and it was too much.”
The manager further admitted his team lacked the necessary intensity, stating, “they played to avoid mistakes rather of doing what we had to do. When we’re not trying to punish the opponent, we’re not relaxed, with or without the ball, and they’re a very good team.” He also highlighted a lack of leadership within the squad when key players are rested, a problem that could become increasingly acute with a demanding schedule stretching until January.
The result has forced Guardiola into a strategic reassessment, potentially prioritizing the Premier League clash against Leeds this weekend over continued Champions League success. However, poor performances in Europe could lead to a more congested fixture list and increased pressure on a squad that appears increasingly stretched.
The contrast with Arsenal,who are demonstrating greater squad depth and the ability to rotate players without sacrificing competitiveness,is becoming stark. The defeat has left many questioning whether Guardiola’s methods, once lauded as revolutionary, are now hindering Manchester City’s pursuit of both domestic and European glory.
(Published November 26, 2025, 13:31 GMT - Updated November 26, 2025, 14:23 GMT)
